It’s no surprise that during the six-week period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day more Idaho potatoes are sold than during any other time of year.  From creamy mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving to crispy latkes for Hanukkah to steaming big bakers for New Year’s Day, the versatile vegetable shines during the holiday season. While the preparation options for potatoes are endless, Idaho grows enough potatoes to feed millions of folks in the United States and around the world all year long.

Approximately 311,000 acres of Idaho potatoes — about 13 billions pounds — are harvested each year, enough to fill 500 football stadiums 10 feet high. Ninety percent of those 311,000 acres will grow russet potatoes like Burbanks, Norkotahs, Rangers and Westerns. The remaining 10 percent will grow niche varieties like golds, reds, fingerlings and more.

IPC also said an average of 412 pounds of Idaho potatoes are sold every second.

In breaking down usage, IPC said 43 percent are used in processed products (frozen and dehydrated); 43 percent are sold fresh; and 14 percent are grown for certified seed.

Idaho potatoes are transported across the country via trucks (70 percent) and rail (30 percent).

What makes Idaho potatoes different from potatoes grown in other states? It’s a combination of Idaho’s rich volcanic soil, warm days, cool nights and an abundance of clean, fresh water from the majestic mountains.

News Yorkers love Idaho potatoes the most, followed by folks from Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas.